Co-op Community Fund offers local groups the chance of funding for projects
MORE local projects will be boosted with finance from a supermarket chain this year - the amount depends on votes from customers!
More than £4800 from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund was shared in and around the area in 2024, including with Findhorn Dunes Trust who received £2190 for information signage and Forres and District Pipe Band who received £2642 for equipment and instruction.
And more funding is being made available to make a difference in the area’s communities in 2025.
Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op, Rebecca Birkbeck, explained: “Co-op is a different way of doing business - and as a business owned by you, we are committed to doing right by you and your community.
“Co-op members have a say on where they would like to see the support given in order to make a difference locally, and our Local Community Fund works to promote healthy, strong and viable communities.”
The benefits to community groups extends beyond funding, with 95 per cent of causes saying that they felt more connected with their community as a result of participating, and that participating in the scheme had helped to raise their profile locally.
Co-op members drive the amount received by the local cause by simply selecting the local cause they would like to support via Co-op’s Membership App.
Co-op’s Local Community Fund has now shared more than £58 million with over 20,500 community groups across the UK since 2020, making a difference locally and supporting the creation of strong and resilient communities.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years.
Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in its governance with a say in how the organisation is run.
Co-op exists to create social, economic and ownership value for its membership, including member-only price savings across everyday essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership App.
Community funding is boosted through the convenience retailer’s ‘Winners Share It All’ prize draw which offers 10 chances each month to win £5000 for causes and £500 for Co-op members.
Ms Birkbeck said: “We are delighted that as a direct result of our members shopping with us, causes in towns, villages and cities across the UK will be celebrating receiving critical funding.
“We know things are increasingly tough for communities - this funding will help them with delivering the services and support that their community needs and create a real and tangible difference to local lives.”
More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership
